Smart’s Lakers deal will include a player option for 2026, according to Charania, which would allow him to test free agency. The 31-year-old point guard was pursued by the Lakers, Bucks and Suns once the Wizards granted him permission to explore other options. An 11-year NBA veteran, Smart spent nine years with the Celtics before spending time with the Grizzlies and Wizards over the last two seasons. Smart won the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award and has been named to the All-Defensive first-team three times. In joining the Lakers, Smart not only is back on a contending team, but also has a clear path to significant playing time.

Smart did not play in Wednesday’s win over the Kings, as the Wizards relied mainly on Jordan Poole, Bub Carrington and AJ Johnson on the perimeter. Poole is unavailable for Thursday’s game, so rotation minutes will be available to Smart. However, fantasy managers should not expect to see him playing starters’ minutes; he has not surpassed 24 minutes in any of his appearances since being acquired from the Grizzlies in February.

Smart will be back after missing Washington’s last two games. Jaylen Martin was able to enter the Wizards’ rotation with Smart sidelined, but he will likely lose out on minutes with Smart healthy and available. Martin wasn’t productive during his time in the rotation.